Special Education

Every student with a disability attending Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School shall be offered an educational program that meets his/her individual needs. All special education programs comply with standards set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Pennsylvania School Code Chapter 14. CMAVTS seeks, to the maximum extent possible, to educate special education students within the general educational curriculum. Students are assigned educational programs which offer them the greatest opportunity for academic success and success in life after high school. All opportunities and extracurriculars extended to the general population of students shall be provided for students with disabilities where feasible.

CMAVTS DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments requires that agencies receiving federal, funds do not discriminate against students in educational programs and activities or admission and recruitment thereof, with regard to handicap. This policy also extends to employment practices. Those students or parents who have complaints alleging violation of the above may submit such complaints in accordance with the following grievance procedure:

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the alleged violation, the grievant student, parent or guardian shall initiate an informal discussion with the Title IX/ Section 504 Coordinator. If the informal discussion does not resolve the issue, the grievant shall submit a written complaint to the 504/Title IX Coordinator. The 5041 Title IX Coordinator shall respond within fifteen (15) calendar days.

If the grievance is not resolved under Step A, the grievant shall submit a written complaint within fifteen (15) calendar days to the Chief School Administrator The Administrative Director or Chief School Administrator will respond in fifteen (15) calendar days.

If the grievance is not resolved under step B., the grievant shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days, refer the complaint in writing to the Vocational-Technical School Joint Operating Committee. The Joint Operating Committee will respond no later than its next regularly scheduled meeting. All appeals beginning with Step B. shall be in writing and all decisions for steps of the grievance procedure must be in writing.

A grievant student, parent or guardian has the right to be accompanied by a third party during all steps of the above grievance procedure. The above grievance procedure, along with the name, address, and telephone number of the Section 504 Compliance Officer shall be available to all current and future students and their parents or guardians.